Isle of Wight: 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾

We've put together a list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾' and the good news is that you can try lots of these great outdoor adventures on the Isle of Wight. From No. 1 Getting to know a tree, all the way through to No. 50 Taking a friend on a nature adventure, our special places are open air playgrounds for little ones to discover the wonders of nature.
High on the rolling downs, or deep in the leafy woods - there are so many places to try your '50 things' it can be hard to know where to start. To make it a little easier, we've put together a list of the best places to find some '50 things' adventures on the Isle of Wight.

St Helens Duver
This unusual shoreline of sandy beaches and tussock-y dunes is a good place for No. 37 Explore the wonders of a rockpool. The little pools are packed with coastal wildlife, so you stand a good chance of spotting a fish (No. 8), or catching a crab (No. 39) too.

The Needles Headland and Tennyson Down
This dramatic headland with far-reaching coastal views and a good spot of wind is the perfect place for flying a kite (No. 7). The grassy downs offer endless opportunities to join nature's band by making a grass trumpet (No. 25) or try eating a picnic in the wild (No. 9).

Mottistone Gardens and Estate
This colourful, flower-filled garden is full of surprises including the hidden Flowerpot People, based on famous names. The Wild Area is a great place for little ones to make a home for wildlife (No. 36), build a den (No. 4) and to make friends with a bug (No. 31).

Bembridge Windmill
Bembridge Windmill is surrounded by countryside we look after so it’s perfect for 50 things adventures. On Bembridge and Culver Downs you can climb a huge hill (No. 28), make friends with a bug (No. 31) and watch a bird (No. 44). You could also try finding your way with a map (No. 45), but don’t forget to return to the windmill to climb up inside to the very top floor.

Compton Bay and Downs
This huge stretch of sandy beach is one of the National Trust’s top places for splashing in the waves (No. 20). It’s also the best place on the Island for making sandcastles, swimming in the wild (No. 42) and hunting for fossils and bones (No. 26). You can even stand in dinosaur footprints too.

Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall
The Island's only National Nature Reserve is packed with wildlife and 200 species of bird visit every year. There are three bird hides to explore, which means it's easy to tick off No. 44 Watch a bird. The Seabroke hide is kitted out with telescopes and you can clamber upstairs for a better view. You can also go welly wandering on a muddy day (No. 6), discover animal clues (No. 34) and spot a fish as you walk along the causeway (No. 8).